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November 2, 2017

Our hearts are breaking as we share this extremely sad news with you: Amazon CARES Founder, Molly Mednikow, died unexpectedly on Sunday, October 29th. Please read on as our President and Executive Director, Manuela Rodrigues, writes directly from her heart…

Dear Molly,

I still can't believe you are gone. You left this world abruptly and unexpectedly this past Sunday, and we are beside ourselves with shock and grief.

You were the one, with your enormous heart, who had the courage and the vision to make a difference for animals in the Amazon River Basin. In 2004, you witnessed an immense amount of suffering on the streets of Iquitos, Peru…and instead of turning away, you took action.

Since you launched Amazon CARES 13 years ago, it has been your baby, your cause to fight for, and now…your legacy. You gave up everything to support and maintain this small but fierce organization: your family savings; your time and energy; your very heart and soul. I was deeply inspired by your level of commitment.

I will always be grateful to you for believing in me. You stepped back and entrusted me with the huge privilege of managing Amazon CARES, along with its hard-working staff, generous donors, and needy animals. While I took over this responsibility, you enrolled in law school and studied hard. You were determined to become an even more effective voice for animals by advocating for their legal rights.

On a professional level, I learned so much from working with you. Your daily example helped me develop my skill set and gave me the confidence to aim for the stars. Without you, I wouldn’t be in this position of leadership that I’ve grown to love.

On a personal level, you and I were like the sisters we never had growing up. I tried my best to be there for you — whether you were celebrating happy news or feeling discouraged about a setback — and you did the same for me. Like all close friends, we journeyed through both good and bad times, but we always found our way back home…together.

The news that you are gone continues to haunt me. It hurts. Waking up every day and knowing that you won't be there is unbelievable…it feels like a bad dream that refuses to go away.

And yet, I will get up and put my two feet on the ground. I will do the work that needs to be done, and I will remember your courage and sacrifice as I go about my day. Thank you for constantly reminding me — through the mission of Amazon CARES — that everyone deserves to be happy and healthy. I will keep striving toward that goal.

Molly, I promise to preserve your memory. I will dedicate my own heart and soul to helping abused and neglected animals in the remote Amazon rainforest…and I will do it in your honor. Your legacy lives on.

October 13, 2017

The headline is dramatic, but it’s absolutely true. Every time I visit our shelter and clinic in Peru, I’m amazed by the huge strides we’ve made for homeless street animals, and yet how far we still have to go. So many precious lives to save…so little time and money.

I wish you could see the countless animals struggling on the streets. Their wasted bodies and hopeless eyes longing for relief. Some have lost hope, waiting, even hoping, for their inevitable death. We can't look away, thuswe take in more animals than we can manage. We stretch our resources to their limit. Look into the faces of our rescued friends above. Some are happy and relaxed; others are cautious and nervous...with time and love, their emotional and physical wounds will heal. They are the lucky ones.

They won't survive with your donations and support, and all of our progress could easily disappear. Will you please donate today?We will never take your loyalty for granted. These animals truly need you in order to survive.

You can donate securely through PayPal at http:bit.ly/Donate2CARES or mail a check to Amazon CARES, PO Box 271344, Tampa, FL 33688. Every small donation makes a big difference!

With undying gratitude,

Manuela Rodrigues

Executive Director & President

Amazon Community Animal Rescue, Education, & Safety

P.S. This is an excerpt from our newsletter. If you do not receive our newsletter, please subscribe at http://bit.ly/ReadACNews.

Our Mission: Amazon Community Animal Rescue, Education & Safety seeks better health and living conditions for ALL living beings of the Peruvian Amazon region. This includes appropriate care, respect, and protection from cruelty and neglect.Amazon CARES is a 501(c) 3 tax-exempt charity under section 170 of the Federal IRS Code. All donations, bequests and gifts are tax deductible. Our FEIN number is 45-366-0998.

Our Mission: Amazon Community Animal Rescue, Education & Safety seeks better health and living conditions for ALL living beings of the Peruvian Amazon region. This includes appropriate care, respect, and protection from cruelty and neglect.Amazon CARES is a 501(c) 3 tax-exempt charity under section 170 of the Federal IRS Code. All donations, bequests and gifts are tax deductible. Our FEIN number is 45-366-0998.